Brothers and sisters in Christ:
Through the Sacrament of Baptism
we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church.
We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation
and given new birth through water and the Spirit.
All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
I present Lucia Vernon to join our church today as a professing member.
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
According to the grace given to you,
will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy Church
and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world?
I will.
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church,
reaffirm both your rejection of sin
and your commitment to Christ?
Congregation: We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life
and include Lucia now before you in your care?
Congregation: With God’s help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their trust of God,
and be found faithful in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life.
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith
as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
Congregation: I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
Congregation: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Congregation: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
As a member of Christ’s universal Church,
will you be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church,
and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
I will.
As a member of this congregation,
will you faithfully participate in its ministries
by your prayers, your presence,
your gifts, your service
and your witness?
I will.
Members of the household of God,
I commend Lucia to your love and care.
Do all in your power to increase her faith,
confirm her hope, and perfect her in love.
We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation
of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate
in the ministries of the Church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ.
The God of all grace,
who has called us to eternal glory in Christ,
establish you and strengthen you
that you may live in grace and peace.